We take a look at the depth of each team set to do battle in the AFL finals series Staff writers
From: News Limited Network
September 05, 2013 12:30PMIT COULD be argued premierships are not won by a side that possesses the greater strengths, but rather by the team who can best cover its weaknesses.
Taking that a step further, a team's bottom half-dozen players may well have a greater bearing on the outcome of the season's biggest matches than the game's biggest names.
Earlier this year on On The Couch, former premiership coach Paul Roos, suggested as much when analysing last year's Grand Final.
Roos suggested that in the 2012 decider, it had been the Swans' lesser-lights that had decided the match.
He said players of the calibre of Nick Smith - who kept Hawks star Cyril Rioli in check - Alex Johnson and Mitch Morton had been pivotal in Sydney's thrilling win over Hawthorn.
With that in mind, the SuperFooty team thought it appropriate to analyse each of the final eight side's lists, in a bid to determine exactly how far each contenders' depth runs.
We've cast a close eye over all the finalists and, based not only on their Round 23 line-ups but the sides we think they'll go in with throughout September, come up with the six players we think may best display just how much depth each contender has. The stronger the bottom six, the better that team's chance for success.
Looking at each team's bottom six, do you think this tells a tale? Does one side's look better - at least on paper - than another side's?
THE BOTTOM SIX:RICHMONDRicky Petterd - has been solid at half-back all season and can play forward when required, although his goalkicking is a bit wonky. Highly rated for his pressure acts. Has had soft tissue injury issues but picked every time he's fit.
Nick Vlastuin - First-year player has been a revelation and is unlikely to be daunted by September. Tough as a cat's head.
Matt White - Speedster was a regular sub but ditched the vest mid-season. His pace breaks open games.
Aaron Edwards - has come off the scrapheap to play a starring role, kicking nine goals in the past two weeks. Lead-up forward with strong hands who takes the pressure off Jack Riewoldt. Keeping Luke McGuane out of the side.
Nathan Foley - the fact he's here illustrates the depth of the Tigers midfield. Can have an impact as a sub but still capable of 30+ disposals on his day.
Jake King - adds an angry streak that is crucial to the team and can bob up and kick goals.
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